Cleveland – The Cleveland Cavaliers and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company unveiled a newly designed Fab Lab at East Tech High School, in partnership with Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The Fab Lab will support the advancement of innovative hands-on technical education and entrepreneurship. This project advances the long-term commitment by the Cavs and Goodyear to fund $1 million of support to STEM programs in Northeast Ohio and serves as the final effort with CMSD.
The East Tech Fab Lab has transformed the previous space into an inviting, creative and collaborative space for students to explore 21st century technology. Divided into four areas, the Fab Lab has a classroom space, shop, digital fabrication zone and hot room. Complete with a laser cutter, electric plotters, 3D printers and CNC routers, students will be able to design, fabricate and produce a variety of projects and prototypes, including East Tech apparel, swag, soaps, chocolates and more. Additionally, the Lab also has a green screen, coding and electronics kits, drones, a kiln and programmable robots along with collaborative and flexible furniture to inspire creativity and making.
“We are purposeful and intentional in everything we do on and off the court. Yesterday’s effort exhibits how we use our platform for good, investing in communities to empower the next generation,” Kevin Clayton, Cleveland Cavaliers Senior Vice President of Social Impact and Equity. “The Fab Lab is a beacon of hope and an opportunity for the students of Cleveland to better their lives with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century to pursue a career they want.”
The program began with a press conference where Clayton was joined by Ward 5 Councilman, Richard Starr, CMSD CEO, Dr. Warren Morgan and East Tech Principals, Dr. Temujin Taylor and Tiffiany James. Following the press conference students and teachers visited the Fab Lab for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the opportunity to test new materials and technology. Students also had the chance to compete in a basketball game partnered with Cavs Youth Sports.
To date, the Cavs and Goodyear have helped transform 14 STEM Labs, Makerspaces and Community Learning Center (CLC) between CMSD and APS including East Professional Center, Hannah Gibbons, Orchard STEM School, Stonebrook-White Montessori, Valley View Boys Leadership Academy, Jennings CLC, NIHF Middle School, Litchfield CLC, Bridges CLC, East CLC, Hyre CLC, Innes CLC and Buchtel CLC.